[Democracyman]

I thought I would try to contribute to the forum. I browse the thrift stores
quite often and get much of my clothing gear from there.

I have found many times Merino wool sweaters . I even have a light Merino
wool vest. I have found north face jackets, Columbia jackets. I have found
ski pants, various types of long underwear. I have found polyester shirts. I
have two nice sets of zipper leg pants, north face pare of pants brand new
for six bucks normally over fifty bucks. I even found a NEW camping stove
for twenty bucks. Two brand new climbing helmets. Found tents , used sleeping bags, the cheap type, found downhill ski outfits dirt cheap. All kinds of stuff, we
got mountain bikes in great shape, two of them for fifty bucks. Of course
it depends on the area you live in on how good your thrift stores are.

The key is to get to know your local thrift stores and know what they carry,
surprisingly different thrift stores get in different things. Then you check back
at the thrift stores once a week always checking on what you want. I got
my wife's sister a water proof hiking jacket in new condition for six bucks it
has the pit zips. My wife got a brand new condition go lite jacket for twenty
five bucks, normally they cost a hundred bucks new.

One great find is the merino wool clothing, this stuff is extremely expensive
new and I find them time to time in the thrift store for five bucks a sweater.

Good luck and happy hunting.

Dan

[Celticwarrior]

It's gonna be garage/yard sale season soon. I love hitting these things, people practically giving away camping and hunting gear, books, fishing poles, you name it. I have gotten so much of my "back-up" gear for next to nothing, including some great camp stoves, folding chairs, gun racks, tents and sleeping bags brand new and never opened! People are idiots, and you too can cash in on their stupidity. Heck, I have found some cool stuff that was in top shape that I didn't need that I put up on eBay for a healthy profit. Not bad for just driving around and checking out a few items on some folding tables.

[vthompson]

I don't go as often as I should, but you are right about getting great deals on clothes and other gear. I go check out our local thrift stores about 3 times a year, whereas I should be going about every week.
The last time that I went I got a three piece suit for $11.00.

[dukman]

I don't know why, but I am not a fan of second hand clothing. *Shrug* I will get over it when it comes down to life or death...

I do, however, enjoy buying just about everything else second hand. I scored a Kelty backpack the other day for $15. I got a LARGE mess kit for $5 last week, this is the type you can use to cook for the whole family! I have also got some great books at the local thrift store too.

I found a local state surplus center... I am always going there to see what they have. Not only have I found some good prices on tools such as shovels and saws, they also get in folding knives and multi-tools every now and then for $5-15 each!

[Foxfire]

Best stores to get good things for cheap. And there is nothing wrong with it either. What you spend there you can buy more gear with from the savings.

[stairman]

I will not go to a garage sale, unless its a big one. I feel embarrased to walk up and look at their junk. I dont mind flea markets because you just walk by while scanning quickly for stuff of interest. I bought a broad axe for 40.00 a while back from the 1800's,and a bull skull autographed by Tuff Hedeman for 20.00. Other than jackets I dont wear second hand clothes either.

[Meldon]

I went into a store last week looking for a wool sweater to wear hunting this spring. Picked one up for $9. I keep looking for wool sweaters, but I always find ones that are too good to wear out in the woods. Now I've got one that I don't care about and I'm gonna keep myself warm.

[ikean]

my wife gets most of her work clothes at thrift stores,i find bdus every once in a while.I used to get carbon steel(old Hickory)knives there,but i dont see them anymore.

[LaRemnant]

I used to ALWAYS rummage through the books. Would always find very weird ones... The only thing I could never figure out concerning ALL thrift stores, is why do they ALWAYS have that same smell... ? Sorta like the smell of a dirty pillow. bleh

[stairman]

I think thats called mildew. Unless alot of old folks are donating, then it smells like mothballs.